A Chance to Experience Moroccan Culture - Getting outside the major tourist crowded cities of Fez and Marrakesh is both a breath of fresh air and a chance to learn about a more authentic lifestyle of Moroccan culture. This trip introduced us to the beauty of Morocco’s valleys and the warmth of their native people. After a drive through the countryside, a hilarious roadside camel ride, and a stop at a local argon oil cooperative, we met our guide Hassam at the small town which lies at the foot of the waterfall hike. Hassam’s knowledge of Moroccan history and local lore was extensive. The fact that he was from the very village we hiked through made the experience authentic. The hike itself was more challenging than we, a couple of active Seventy year olds, expected, but Hassam helped us over some of the rockier steep parts, and never failed to be positive and encouraging. The highlight of the trip for me was the chance to have tea in Hassam’s own home and meet his hardworking mother. He explained how tourism has helped his community and showed us the hammam (an area for performing ablutions before visiting the mosque) he built for his father. We left with a better understanding of the hard lives and kind hearts of these villagers.